Desk Height Calculator

Tip: Use ft/in if you know your height in feet and inches.

Recommended desk heights

Enter your height above to see recommended desk heights.

Quick conversions

You'll see quick conversions for sitting and standing desk heights once you enter your height.

These values are approximate ergonomic guidelines. Personal comfort and chair height may require small adjustments (±2–3 cm).

Desk Height Calculator - Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Welcome to this detailed content designed to support a professional workspace adjustment experience. When a workspace fits your body well, productivity becomes smooth and comfort becomes effortless.

Using a desk height calculator gives you height-specific recommendations that align with posture science and human engineering. These guidelines work for both office and home workstations.

Every person has unique proportions, so universal desks rarely match individual needs. That’s why a precise and personalized approach is extremely helpful.

Why Desk Height Matters

Poor desk height slowly creates strain on the neck, shoulders, lower back, and wrists. These issues may not appear overnight but develop as a recurring discomfort.

A proper desk setup reduces unwanted stress by distributing weight and motion where the body expects support. This improves daily energy levels while preventing long-term injury.

You deserve a workspace that feels natural. Small changes can redefine your comfort and mental clarity throughout long hours of focus.

Sitting Desk Height Guide

The primary goal in sitting posture is to maintain a smooth, relaxed alignment through the spine. Shoulders must not elevate, and wrists should stay level or slightly angled downward.

Your elbow angle should remain around 90 degrees. That positions hands comfortably on the keyboard without reaching excessively upward or downward.

A comfortable sitting position reduces fatigue and allows long working hours without body tension building up.

Standing Desk Height Guide

Standing work keeps the body active while reducing lower back pressure from prolonged sitting. It also encourages better circulation and a more dynamic posture.

Keep elbows neutral, similar to a sitting desk height. This ensures your arms are supported by natural body mechanics rather than muscle tension.

It is better to alternate between sitting and standing rather than choosing only one style all day long.

A well-adjusted standing desk height makes prolonged standing significantly easier on the body.

How to Measure Correct Height

  • Stand close to a wall with straight posture.
  • Keep feet flat and eyes forward without lifting the chin too high.
  • Measure from the floor to your elbow height.

The measured elbow height becomes the foundation for determining your perfect desk level. Small adjustments may still be required based on task type.

If measuring while sitting, make sure the chair is at proper height first. Incorrect chair height will distort your reading.

Desk Height Calculation Formula

The formula below offers a simplified ergonomic measurement method widely adopted in practical use:

Sitting Desk Height = 0.25 × Body Height + 25 Standing Desk Height = 0.60 × Body Height

Results may shift slightly based on task type because writing demands more precision while typing benefits from lower arm positioning.

Recommended Desk Height Table

Body HeightSitting HeightStanding HeightKeyboard LevelMonitor Base HeightRecommended RangeNotes
150 cm62 cm90 cmBelow elbowEye level±2 cmShort stature users
155 cm63 cm93 cmNeutralNeck relaxed±2 cmComfort first
160 cm65 cm95 cmNeutralStraight gaze±3 cmCommon range
165 cm66 cm98 cmSlight dropSlip screen tilt±3 cmTyping focus
170 cm68 cm100 cmBelow elbowMod tilt±3 cmBalanced setup
175 cm70 cm103 cmNeutralProper center±3 cmFrequent desk workers
180 cm72 cm105 cmSlight dropNeck neutral±4 cmTall individuals

These height ranges provide a helpful starting point. You may need small refinements depending on shoes, floor mat use, and arm length differences.

The most important factor is to keep movements effortless. Your desk should support your work rather than forcing your body to adapt to a fixed layout.

Examples

Example 1: A person who is 165 cm tall should place the desk around 66–68 cm when seated. A similar principle applies to monitor and chair adjustments.

Example 2: Someone who is 175 cm tall may stand comfortably at a level around 102–103 cm to keep elbows relaxed at 90 degrees.

Example 3: If a user types for long sessions, lowering the desk by 1–2 cm can reduce shoulder tension significantly.

Example 4: Writing requires the desk slightly higher, especially for tasks requiring precision and visual control.

Example 5: When switching between sitting and standing, remember to also adjust monitor height each time for best vision comfort.

Desk & Chair Adjustment Tips

  • Keep both feet flat and weight distributed evenly.
  • Maintain a natural curve in the lower back with proper support.
  • Use a footrest if the table feels too high and chair is maxed out.

Hands must never be forced upward or downward to reach the keyboard. A neutral line maintains healthy wrist tendons and better speed.

Chair Height Table

Body HeightChair Seat HeightKnee AngleBackrest SupportFoot PlacementAdjustment RangeComfort Tip
150 cm38 cm90°Low lumbarFlat foot±3 cmSmall pillow
155 cm40 cm90°NeutralStable feet±3 cmNo dangling
160 cm42 cm⩾90°NeutralHeel grounded±4 cmRelax hips
165 cm43 cmNeutralMid supportEven stance±4 cmKeep hips level
170 cm44 cmNeutralMid-highStable±4 cmBody balanced
175 cm46 cmSlightly openHigh lumbarFlat±5 cmFeet grounded
180 cm48 cmOpenHigher supportFlat foot±5 cmNo hip tilt

Make sure your legs never dangle. If the desk height forces the chair higher, combine it with a footrest to maintain hip level support.

A stable foundation ensures proper weight transfer through hips and spine, preventing back fatigue.

Keyboard & Monitor Setup Table

ComponentIdeal HeightDistanceWrist AngleNeck PositionContrastComf. Tip
KeyboardNeutral25cm–30cmStraightNoneClearNo strain
MouseSame as keysCloseNaturalNeutralMediumDon’t overreach
MonitorEye levelArm lengthN/AStraightHighReduce glare
LaptopRaisedTypicalN/ANeutralHighUse stand
DocumentNear keysCloseNeutralNeutralVariesMin turn
Wrist PadMinimalN/AStraightNeutralNeutralNo push
PhoneSide areaReachableNeutralNeutralNeutralKeep away

Fine-tuning a workstation allows your muscles to relax while your mind stays focused. Your desk should allow freedom rather than impose constraints.

With practice, adjusting height becomes instinctive. You can switch between comfort modes without hesitation.

Knowing the basics of ergonomic desk height empowers you to make confident and lasting ergonomic improvements that protect your health.

Frequently Asked Questions